New CPI Series to Add Rural Housing Inflation From 2026
Why in the news
From 2026, India’s revamped consumer price index will count village housing costs too; so far only urban housing fed into inflation.
Key facts
- Launch: February 2026; base year 2024.
- Earlier exclusion: rural rental markets were negligible.
- Drivers: work-related mobility, changed consumption patterns, rentals spreading beyond cities.
- Data: HCES 2022-23 versus HCES 2011-12.
Housing spending, 2011-12 to 2022-23
| Measure | Rural | Urban |
|---|---|---|
| Housing MPCE | ₹7 to ₹30 | ₹160 to ₹423 |
| Share of spending | 0.4% to 0.8% | 6.6% |
Exam angle
- GDP and IIP will also be rebased to 2024.
- First-time inclusion: rural housing.